The first wheelchair is believed to have been developed in China in the 6th century. The first major technological advances are attributed to two engineers Harry Jennings and Herbert Everest after Everest suffered a broken neck in a mining accident ion 1933. Jennings and Everest combined to create a lightweight, collapsible wheelchair. The pair launched the first mass-producers of wheelchairs. The "x brace" concept developed by the pair is still in use today.
Most likely Jennings and Everest would be astounded with the amazing advancements in today's power wheelchairs as well as by the increase in global demand for the new machines. Power wheelchairs are motorized and are different than power-assisted wheelchairs, which have large rear wheels that can be operated by battery-powered motors.
Power wheelchairs are either lightweight or heavyweight. Lightweight chairs are built to accommodate patients who weigh up to 300 pounds. Heavyweight chairs accommodate patients who weigh more and can carry additional equipment.
The less expensive lightweight chairs utilize a two-pole motor where the heavyweight chairs use a four-pole motor. Power wheelchairs use wither front or rear wheel drive to accommodate flat or raised elevations. Computerized upgrades have been added to many of today's power chairs.
Passive Standing Technology
Due to the growth of the industry, there is great pressure to develop standards and impose basic registration criteria for global manufacturers. In the United States, legislation entitled the Consumer Protection for Wheeled Mobility was passed in 2003. All manufacturers are required to participate in continuing education and to achieve "Assistive Technology Supplier Certification."
The most recent advance in power wheelchairs technology enables users to achieve a passive standing position. The advantages of this welcome development offer users substantial health benefits. Some of the benefits have proven to be:
* Reduced seating pressure * Decreased bone deterioration * Bladder normalcy * Improved circulation * Improved muscular conditions * Overall improved functional conditions
Passive standing wheelchairs are already in great demand. Interested persons should contact manufacturers as soon a possible.
Technology has also been used by manufacturers to allow the users to adjust the seating tilt as well as the level of the chair. Computerized enhancements have eased the navigational capabilities of the power chairs and made for easier control of speed and direction. With computerized eye technology to direct the power wheelchairs, mobility is now available to just about all disabled persons.
Most likely Jennings and Everest would be astounded with the amazing advancements in today's power wheelchairs as well as by the increase in global demand for the new machines. Power wheelchairs are motorized and are different than power-assisted wheelchairs, which have large rear wheels that can be operated by battery-powered motors.
Power wheelchairs are either lightweight or heavyweight. Lightweight chairs are built to accommodate patients who weigh up to 300 pounds. Heavyweight chairs accommodate patients who weigh more and can carry additional equipment.
The less expensive lightweight chairs utilize a two-pole motor where the heavyweight chairs use a four-pole motor. Power wheelchairs use wither front or rear wheel drive to accommodate flat or raised elevations. Computerized upgrades have been added to many of today's power chairs.
Passive Standing Technology
Due to the growth of the industry, there is great pressure to develop standards and impose basic registration criteria for global manufacturers. In the United States, legislation entitled the Consumer Protection for Wheeled Mobility was passed in 2003. All manufacturers are required to participate in continuing education and to achieve "Assistive Technology Supplier Certification."
The most recent advance in power wheelchairs technology enables users to achieve a passive standing position. The advantages of this welcome development offer users substantial health benefits. Some of the benefits have proven to be:
* Reduced seating pressure * Decreased bone deterioration * Bladder normalcy * Improved circulation * Improved muscular conditions * Overall improved functional conditions
Passive standing wheelchairs are already in great demand. Interested persons should contact manufacturers as soon a possible.
Technology has also been used by manufacturers to allow the users to adjust the seating tilt as well as the level of the chair. Computerized enhancements have eased the navigational capabilities of the power chairs and made for easier control of speed and direction. With computerized eye technology to direct the power wheelchairs, mobility is now available to just about all disabled persons.
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